Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell was fined $15,930 this week for a hip drop tackle during Sunday night’s game against the Carolina Panthers. On the surface, it wasn’t that big of a deal, since Campbell had just paid, and was more than able to pay the penalty.
Starting this year, if a player commits a “major” foul three times, they will serve a one-game suspension. This rule is only in place for a very small set of infractions, aimed at player safety. The five fouls that fit into this category are:
In other words, if the player commits a combination of three fouls in any of these categories, they will serve a one-game suspension. According to the NFL, these offenses will continue in future seasons as well. That said, all fines are subject to an appeal, if desired.
Here’s video of Campbell’s illegal tackle (no penalty was called on the play):
Here’s what the rulebook says about the hip drop tackle:
ARTICLE 18. HIP-DROP TACKLE. It is a foul if a player uses the following technique to bring a runner to the ground:
(a) grabs the runner with one or both hands or wraps the runner with both arms; and
(b) unburdens himself by rotating and lowering his hips and/or lower body, landing on and/or trapping the runner’s leg(s) at or below the knee
In addition to Campbell’s fine, Detroit tight end Brock Wright was also fined $17,911 for a leg whip. That is not one of the categories that would subject Wright to a fine if he is a repeat offender.